Helping government unlock the power of social enterprise
Since 2008, Social Traders has been working alongside federal, state, and local government agencies to embed social enterprise into economic and social policies.
Partner with us and turn social enterprise policy into practice. Drive employment, reduce service costs, and build the community trust that defines effective, modern government.
Resilient Ready
WV Technologies
A trusted government partner for over 15 years
Founded as a government initiative, Social Traders has spent over 15 years embedded in the social enterprise sector, making us a uniquely trusted adviser and implementation partner to government in delivering a social economy.
The social economy isn't a nostalgic idea. The UN, EU and OECD all recognise it as a pivotal pillar of sustainable, inclusive economic development.
Through decades of inquiries, submissions and policy engagement, we bring deep expertise in building an economy that puts people and communities first.
How we support government
Advisory services
Specialist expertise and evidence-based insight, helping government move from policy commitment to real practice.
Data and reporting
We give corporates, governments and funders verified data they need to measure performance and meet their reporting requirements with confidence.
Training
We provide targeted training to equip your teams to confidently assess and engage with social enterprises - delivering meaningful social impact.
Endorsements by supporters
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“The sector has achieved a great amount over recent decades, but there is potential to do so much more with the right regulatory settings and the right partnerships with governments … Now is the time to leverage for more… Social procurement is so important, and certification will be one of the first steps.” Dr Daniel Mulino MP, Assistant Treasurer, Minister for Financial Services |
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“What you do has support from across the parliament. For those on the business side, you’re celebrating businesses. And for those who go into politics to help the most disadvantaged, you’re doing just that. The work of social enterprise spans the economy.” Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury |
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“The Government is backing social enterprises to further help people facing labour market disadvantage. Social enterprises are critical to improving employment outcomes for marginalised cohorts in local communities across Australia … The Government’s reform direction is to draw on the expertise of the social enterprise sector and build capacity to improve the labour market outcomes of people who experience entrenched disadvantage.” Australian Government White Paper on Jobs and Opportunities |
Turn procurement into pathways for marginalised communities
With over half of certified social enterprises focused on employment for marginalised Australians - particularly people with disabilities, new migrants and refugees and marginalised youth - social procurement is one of the most direct levers government has to address entrenched disadvantage without increasing cost.
Find out the latest social procurement marketplace trends among our business and government members.
All Things Equal
Strength in certification
Certification de-risks government investment in social enterprise by ensuring they are genuine. With more than 750 certified social enterprises across the country, find out what makes certification trusted in Australia.
Social enterprise insights
We often collaborate with partners to produce reports that help empower policy makers, philanthropists, intermediaries and the public to support the vital contributions of social enterprises.